Alkyl mesityl oxides can be converted to methyl alkyl ketones such as methyl heptanone and hexa-hydropseudoionone by means of the two different methods, i.e., acidic cleavage and ozonolysis followed by alkaline cleavage. Thus, a new synthetic method of methyl ketones (RCH2COCH3) from alkyl halides (RX) has been established. The condensation of acetone with alkyl or alkenyl halide in liquid ammonia has been also described.
